30 Week Pregnancy Update and Reflections
Holy 30 weeks! Everyone warned me that my second pregnancy would speed by but I literally feel like I've blinked and it's almost over. Yikes! The weeks and months seem to keep flying by and now that summer is here, I'm starting to panic a bit because I still have so much to do before she arrives in a few short months. One thing I'm learning about my little bun in the oven is that I may have my work cut out for me... this little girl is very active and a bit of a partier at night!Due Date: August 31st, 2018Gender: GirlGrowth: 15.7 inches long, weighing almost 3 lbs - the size of a large cabbageName: Not yet! (concerned voice) We have the list narrowed down to 4-5 names which is a big step, we've been so indecisive this time.How I'm Feeling: The third trimester has been my favorite so far this pregnancy. Not going to lie, May was rough, the weather was gloomy and my hormones were super intense. I also felt like Brock was going through something (the terrible 3's) which was so hard. I had some really rough days. June however has been a breath of fresh air. I'm in a really good place mentally, feeling super happy and motivated. I'm excited and ready for this next chapter to begin. Physically, I feel great. I still have energy, some days more than others so I'm taking it day by day and listening to my body.How I'm Sleeping: So good! I'm getting 8-9 hours of sleep at night. On a really good day I get a nap in too. I'm currently charging up the battery for the extreme lack of sleep coming my way very soon. ;)What I'm Eating: Fruit has been my favorite lately, especially with the weather warming up. Being pregnant in the summer allows for so many delicious options since almost everything is in season. For some reason, I cannot get enough grapes right now – since I'm not getting my wine I had to find another way to get my grape fix in...I guess?? I literally graze on grapes all day long. I especially love the organic cotton candy grapes, they are my favorite snack to pack for the park, pool or beach. I've also had more of sweet tooth this trimester. Rarely do I go a night without dessert.Exercise: Happy to report that I'm still going strong! I'm doing something active at least 4 days in a week and mornings are best because I have far more energy. A combination of walking, sculpt yoga and pregnancy workout videos are in my rotation. Not sure how long I will keep it up, but I'm definitely going to as long as my body will allow me to.Body and Weight Gain: It's funny, some weeks I feel humongous and my body is full of aches and pain and other weeks I feel great. It's kind of a gamble. I'm not concerned, the pain that I have experienced this time also happened with my pregnancy with Brock. I've gained a little over 30 lbs so far and my poor back, hip and leg joints aren't used to this extra weight. I really have to be careful on days that I do workout to rest and not push myself too much afterward. It's funny how bad my body want's to do the "pregnancy waddle" so bad but I try my hardest to not let it, lol.What I'm Wearing: Loving one pieces right now. Dresses, rompers and jumpsuits are constantly in the rotation. Anything easy and comfortable. I also love all the lounge pants by Pink Blush, they feel like you're wrapped in a cloud and I've been wearing them around the house and to run errands. My favorites are here.How Is Brock: I feel like he's starting to understand more and more what's going on. He has recently become very interested when we see babies out. We've also been reading books on the subject and I think they're helping. We Have a Baby and I'm a Big Brother.Feeling Nervous About: The amount of things that I need to get done still. With my pregnancy with Brock I felt like I had endless amounts of time to dedicate to baby preparations. Haha, that is not the case this time! I feel like I don't have anything done...we don't even have a name.Baby Preparations: We were able to use so much baby gear from Brock which makes it so nice this time. However it has been almost 4 years and there are a few newish gadgets on the market that we are going to purchase. The baby room is currently in process (painters come next week) and I'm starting to get really excited to watch it all come together! (I will post pictures) I'm also looking into some toddler classes for Brock to help with the transition.
Mothers Day (24 Weeks Pregnant)
Napa Valley Girls Trip (26 Weeks Pregnant)
Florida Trip (27 Weeks Pregnant)
Pregnancy #2 VS Pregnancy #1
This pregnancy rules. From the way we found out, to how great I've felt, I have thoroughly enjoyed the pregnancy process this time around. I have to pinch myself sometimes that I've actually been given the chance to experience a pregnancy the right way. With my first, we had struggled to conceive for so long that it was difficult for me to accept that it was happening or even allow myself to be excited for so long. I was always so hesitant and overly paranoid about everything which made for a very long 9 months.This pregnancy has been so much different. Sure, there have been a number of physical differences between the two. To name a few; I have felt more like myself this pregnancy, especially with my eating. When I was pregnant with Brock I was always hungry and when I did eat, I would eat a lot. I experienced first trimester morning sickness this pregnancy and many moments of extreme exhaustion now being pregnant in my mid-thirty's and chasing a wild 3 year old boy. I also had the ability to pamper myself during my pregnancy with Brock, this time...ehhhh, not so much.Mentally, the last 7 months have been a dream compared to last time. My attitude has been so calm and mellow and I know it has everything to do with the infertility emotional roller coaster that took up my life for so many years. When I was told by doctors last spring that I wouldn't be able to have anymore children myself, I emotionally shut off from fertility. So when I found out that I was 7 weeks pregnant this January, I was beyond shocked but I also had the immediate attitude that if it is meant to be then it will be. And that's continued to be my vibe. I've felt more present, more relaxed and been able to enjoy every part of the process this time. 
22 Weeks VS 29 Weeks
Pregnancy Reflections
Like any pregnancy there have been plenty of ups and downs and of course I've had moments where I've been "over it" or caught myself complaining. But one thing I've never done is taken this pregnancy or any for that matter for granted. My infertility journey has been long and at times extremely difficult so to be given the chance to do this again (when I thought I never would) has kept me humble. This will most likely be my last time carrying a child and knowing that has allowed me to stay positive even when I feel like complaining about a pregnancy restriction or body pain. In fact, I have felt sadness at times realizing that this will be my last time doing it. Although this pregnancy is wizzing by, I'm trying my best to remain in the moment and soak up every part of it. Pregnancy is so beautiful and to say it's amazing is an understatement. I know first hand how difficult it can be to conceive and then to not loose a pregnancy, so to be this far along and have done it without any help is nothing short of a miracle in my opinion.
The hardest part for me has been knowing that I only have a few short months with me and my #1. Brock is "my baby", it's hard to imagine him not "the baby" anymore. I'll admit that I've been hogging him a little bit lately, letting him stay up a little later at night and trying to hang onto every moment that I still have with him alone. As a mom, there is nothing quite like the bond you have with your son and although I know he's not going anywhere, it's inevitable that things will be changing by bringing in a 4th member to the family. At the same time, I'm so excited for Brock. We've been so blessed to be able to give him a sibling, a little sister to share his life with. I can't wait to watch the transition and help guide him through the process as best we can.
So there it is! If anyone has any advice for me before the arrival of baby #2 I'm all ears, in fact I would be forever grateful. You can comment below or email me at shawna@peacelovestyle.com. Thank you all so much for reading my update and following along on my journey!
XO, Shawna
Dress HERE | Hat HERE | Necklace HERE
Miranda McDonald Photography
